Stories

Silver Star Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Chester T. O'Brien (MCSN: 97983), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, Reinforced, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 24 January 1945. When his platoon leader became a casualty, Platoon Sergeant O'Brien immediately assumed command and afforded his men inspiring leadership while tirelessly combating a numerically superior force. With utter disregard for his own safety, he courageously led his men in a determined attack against a strong hostile position in a deep heavily wooded ravine and, although greatly outnumbered, he succeeded in destroying two machine-gun emplacements before he was killed in action. His valiant devotion to duty contributed to decreasing the effectiveness of enemy resistance in this sector and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.